Amazon Acquires Indian Streaming Platform MX Player from Times Internet According to Sources

It’s Friday, and we’re slumping back in our office chairs with a hot cup of coffee after a week that’s been as slow as mid-winter molasses. But don’t worry, we’ve got the latest news to keep you informed.

Black History Month: Sojourner Truth

For Black History Month, we are in awe of the story of Sojourner Truth, who was an American abolitionist and women’s rights activist. Born into slavery, she escaped with her infant daughter and became the first Black woman to successfully sue for a family member’s freedom in 1828.

To learn more about her, this TED-Ed video is an excellent resource. The video explains how Sojourner Truth was a former slave who became a prominent abolitionist and women’s rights activist during the mid-19th century.

Tech News

Here are some of the top tech stories from around the web:

• Digital Rights Defenders Infiltrate Alleged Mercenary Hacking Group: Digital rights defenders have infiltrated an alleged mercenary hacking group, exposing their tactics and weaknesses. The hackers were reportedly hired by a government agency to spy on citizens.
• Google Losing Control?: Google is struggling to keep up with the rapid development of its new AI technology. The company’s lack of readiness for a global rollout has led some to question whether it can maintain control over its own tech.
• Uber Integrates Apple CarPlay into Driver App: Uber is integrating Apple CarPlay into its driver app, making it easier for drivers to navigate and access important information while on the road.

Startups

Here are some of the top startup news stories from around the web:

• Thoras Helps Companies Reach Reliability without Overspending on Cloud Costs: Thoras has developed a platform that helps companies reach reliability without overspending on cloud costs. The company’s innovative approach is gaining attention from startups and enterprise organizations alike.
• Powerset Gives Founders $1 Million to Invest in Other Startups: Powerset, a startup accelerator, is giving founders $1 million to invest in other startups. This move is aimed at supporting the growth of new businesses and fostering innovation.

Venture Capital

Here are some of the top venture capital news stories from around the web:

• Venture Funding Remains Stable in France thanks to AI Startups: Venture funding remains stable in France, thanks in part to the success of AI startups. The country’s thriving tech ecosystem has attracted investors and entrepreneurs alike.
• Biden Admin Snubs Tesla’s $100 Million Big-Rig Charging Funding Request – Again: The Biden administration has once again rejected Tesla’s request for $100 million in funding to support big-rig charging. This decision highlights the ongoing tensions between government agencies and private companies.

AI

Here are some of the top AI news stories from around the web:

• The First AI Chip Startup to Go Public in 2025 will be Blaize: Blaize, an AI chip startup, is expected to go public in 2025. The company’s innovative approach has gained attention from investors and tech enthusiasts alike.
• UK Plans to Ban Public Sector Organizations from Paying Ransomware Hackers: The UK government plans to ban public sector organizations from paying ransomware hackers. This move aims to combat the growing threat of cyber attacks and protect sensitive information.

Security

Here are some of the top security news stories from around the web:

• Taiwan Fines iRent for Spilling Customer Data onto the Open Web: The Taiwanese government has fined iRent, a car rental company, for spilling customer data onto the open web. This incident highlights the importance of protecting sensitive information and complying with data protection regulations.

Startups Weekly

Here are some of the top startup news stories from around the web:

• Xiaohongshu (RedNote), China’s Answer to Instagram, Hits No. 1 on the App Store as TikTok Faces US Shutdown: Xiaohongshu (RedNote), a social media app, has reached number one on the App Store in China. This achievement comes at a time when TikTok is facing a potential shutdown in the United States.
• Sonos CEO Patrick Spence Is Leaving Following Bungled App Update: Sonos’ CEO, Patrick Spence, is leaving his position after a bungled app update led to customer dissatisfaction and negative reviews. This incident highlights the importance of effective communication and customer support.

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